CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - The Tigers hosted the #7 Freed-Hardeman University Lions on Saturday. Despite Campbellsville's efforts to boost their plays in the second half, Freed-Hardeman took the victory, 84-69.
Jay Milburn opened the first half with a three-point bucket in 26 seconds of play. The Lions quickly retaliated with a layup, and both teams' defenses prevented each other from scoring in the upcoming two minutes of the half. Cobe Penny struck Freed-Hardeman with an avid jumper, keeping Campbellsville in the lead. Noah Gordon and Tyrelle Hunt came off the bench with agile, long passes down the court, keeping their fellow Tigers with steady control over the ball. The Lions strengthened their defensive plays, taking advantage of Campbellsville's turnovers to rack up steals and regain possession of the ball. Halfway through the first half, Freed-Hardeman doubled the Tigers on the scoreboard. However, Darius Harding struck the Lions with back-to-back three-point buckets, decreasing Campbellsville's deficit to three under Freed-Hardeman. The Lions' unrelenting layups increased their advantage back up. At the end of the first half, the Tigers trailed Freed-Hardeman, 45-28.
Although the Lions held a significant advantage on the scoreboard, the Tigers held some crucial strengths over the game. Most importantly, shooting a 50% (2-of-12) three-point percentage to their 16.7% (4-of-8).
The last 20 minutes of the game kicked off to a slow start, Campbellsville's defensive rebounds and Freed-Hardeman's steals highlighting the beginning minutes of the second half. Both teams proceeded to exchange layups, and the Lions' ability to retaliate prevented the Tigers from catching up to their 15-point advantage. Chandler Clements earned his first assist, aiding Harding in scoring his third three-point jump shot of the contest. Despite Campbellsville boosting their shooting percentage from the field to a near-double compared to the first half (66.7% compared to 36.4%), Freed-Hardeman kept a stronghold on the lead, shooting back right after the Tigers. Still, halfway through the last 20 minutes of play, Campbellsville surpassed the Lions in points scored throughout the half. Freed-Hardeman reached their largest lead over the Tigers with a 21-point advantage. At the end of the second half, Campbellsville falls to the Lions, 84-69.
Three Tigers reached double digits during today's game: Penny and Harding with 16 points each, and Hunt with 10.
The Tigers will be back in action, hosting the Lindsey Wilson College Blue Raiders on Thursday, January 25th, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.
